Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that WhiteRidge Plastics LLC, a national supplier of custom-molded plastic parts for the automotive, industrial, agricultural, tool and custom-part markets, will expand its operations in Rockingham County. The company plans to create 55 jobs and invest more than $1.2 million during the next three years in Reidsville. The project was made possible in part by a $45,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“North Carolina continues to be attractive to manufacturing companies looking for the ideal location to invest, expand and create new jobs,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our state’s skilled workers, top educational programs and top-business ratings provide the perfect climate to support successful businesses.”
WhiteRidge Plastics, headquartered with its manufacturing plant in Reidsville, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Myers Industries Inc. (NYSE: MYE) in Akron, Ohio. The company produces custom-injection, blow-molded parts for cars and trucks, agricultural equipment, recreational vehicles, industrial applications and other uses. WhiteRidge currently employs about 100 workers at its Reidsville plant.
The company plans to install new product lines at the Reidsville facility to manufacture parts for Honda light trucks and all-terrain vehicles. Salaries vary by job function, but the annual average wage for the 55 new jobs will be $21,856, not including benefits. The Rockingham County annual average wage is $30,472.
“The WhiteRidge Plastics site was chosen for expansion due to its strategic location and size,” said Max Barton, director of corporate communications and investor relations for Myers Industries. “The WhiteRidge facility gives us a strong base from which to efficiently serve our Southern region customers. The facility also provides ample space for expansion as we focus on product innovation and enhanced levels of customer satisfaction.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
“During these tough economic times, it’s critical to make the right investments to create jobs and to create a business climate that will allow companies to grow,” said Rep. Nelson Cole. “These are welcome jobs in Reidsville and I will continue to work with Governor Perdue on bringing more jobs to the area and to North Carolina.”
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 40,000 jobs and $7 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners who helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Rockingham County, the City of Reidsville, Rockingham County Community College, Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments, N.C. Employment Security Commission and the Rockingham County Partnership for Economic and Tourism Development.
For information about job opportunities with WhiteRidge Plastics, please contact company Human Resources Manager Lynne Wilson at (336) 342-1200 or lwilson@wek-whiteridge.com.